Bosnian émigré Dado Beganovic brightens the residential Central West End Corner of Maryland and Taylor avenues with Pizzeria Mia. Occupying the storefront that used to be a travel agency, the pizzeria cooks up wood-fired pies that are like a cross between Neapolitan and New York styles. The signature crust — a secret recipe from Beganovic’s Bulgarian friend — is soft and raised with just a little bit of crispness around the edges. Toppings include classics such as fresh mozzarella and basil (the Margherita) and greasy pepperoni, as well as nontraditional pizza offerings like the gyros pizza. The signature pie is the spinach pizza, a rich blend of roasted garlic, spinach, ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. The restaurant also serves a few pastas and a calzone, as well as homemade desserts by Beganovic’s mom — literally, she makes them at her home and brings them in in her personal to-go containers. When the weather permits, pull up a chair under the bright red umbrellas — and don’t forget to bring the pooch; the patio is dog-friendly.
Click here to read the Riverfront Times' complete review of Pizzeria Mia.
